Overall, Pokémon is one of the most popular franchises of all time, and with good reason. Aside from the immensely successful main series games, like the upcoming Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, numerous spin-offs and side games also contribute to the Pokémon experience.

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One of such is Pokémon Conquest, a tactical role-playing DS game that came out in 2012. Taking place in the fantastical Ransei region, it follows an Eevee-accompanied player who must battle Warlords and Warriors to unite the fractured territory. With a focus on tactic and a medieval look-and-feelConquest, like the region it takes place in, is unique in the franchise. And Ransei, with its intricate lore, remains one of the Pokémon world's best-kept secrets.

Real-Life Inspiration

Aurora-Kingdom-Pokémon-Conquest

Like most other territories in the Pokémon world, Ransei takes inspiration from real-life places. However, and unlike other regions, it isn't a direct translation.

Ransei's shape is that of the Mythical Pokémon Arceus. Beyond that, it seems to take inspiration from medieval kingdoms and Feudal Japan. Ransei also features some traditional high-fantasy characters, like Alchemists and Blacksmiths, and activities like mining and farming, suggesting the region was also heavily influenced by fantasy RPGs.

One Kingdom For Each Type

Pokemon Conquest Water Temple

Every fan knows that main series games mostly follow the Gym format. It's a familiar and adequate way to guide the plot while still providing the excitement of Pokémon battling. Conquest finds a clever way of putting a spin on this beloved format with the use of Kingdoms.

Ransei has 17 Kingdoms, each home to a specific Pokémon type. For example, Fontaine represents Water, Illusio represents Psychic, and Viperia represents Poison. Each Kingdom has an appropriate environment that allows many Pokémon to thrive. For example, Valora, the Steel-type Kingdom, features a mechanical battlefield, while Chrysalia, home of the Bug-type, employs a zen garden decor.

No Fairy-Types

An assortment of Fairy-type Pokemon (Jigglypuff, Gardevoir, Sylveon, and Marill) on a black background

Because Conquest came out during Generation V, Ransei features no Fairy-type Pokémon. Although this isn't a big deal in the real world, it does represent a considerable mystery within the Pokémon world. Pokémon introduced the Fairy type to balance the overpowered Dragon. Fairy's absence means Ransei's draconian creatures remain unparalleled in power.

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Furthermore, Ransei locals believe Arceus itself created the region in its own image. Did the Fairy-type not exist at the beginning of time? Did some Pokémon evolve and developed Fairy qualities by themselves?

Human Evolution Is Possible

Promo art for Pokémon Conquest and its characters

Pokémon evolution is one of the pillars of the franchise. With enough training and care, numerous Pokémon can keep increasing their strength and ability, evolving to become superior creatures. Evolution sometimes depends on outside factors, like exposure to a particular stone or specific levels of experience and attachment to the Trainer.

Evolution is also possible at Ransei, but it doesn't apply only to Pokémon. Humans and, more specifically, Warlords can also change and increase their power levels. They ascend Ranks, improving their stats, appearance, and skills. As of Generation VIII, Ransei is the only place in the Pokémon world that allows human evolution. It's a neat detail that further separates Conquest from other side games and spin-offs.

Ransei's Ultimate Fate

Ignis-Kingdom-Pokémon-Conquest

The Pokémon franchise is notoriously vague when it comes to explaining the physics of its world. To this day, there's still not an official map that depicts the Pokémon world's geography. So it's up to the fans and their imaginations to guess which region exists where, using the few hints given throughout the years.

Ransei's medieval setting and unique dynamics hint that Conquest's events take place in the distant past. How long into the past cannot be determined, but there's a massive difference between Ransei and, say, Unova or Galar. The upcoming Pokémon Legends: Arceus takes place in Sinnoh's past, so perhaps Conquest's Ransei is also the past version of a current region? If so, which of the modern-day domains used to be Ransei? And if this isn't the case, then what happened to the Arceus-shaped territory?

A Land Outside Of Time?

Pokemon Conquest Garden

There's also the possibility that Ransei exists in an alternate timeline. However, the main series games all take place in the same universe, referencing previous games' events and featuring returning characters. In addition, some remakes - ORAS and Let's Go - take place in alternate versions of the original Ruby & Sapphire and Red & Blue games.

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With this in consideration, Conquest could take place in its own timeline, preceding all others. That would make Ransei a land outside of time, explaining why it has so many unique qualities. It's an intriguing idea and, hopefully, the franchise will address it at some point.

A Supercontinent?

A map showing how Ransei could be a supercontinent that housed all current Pokémon regions

An enduring theory among the community is that Ransei was the original supercontinent in the Pokémon world, similar to Pangea in the real world. Pokémon lore is a tad convoluted, but Arceus created the universe and everything in it. It would make sense, then, that it created a massive piece of land in its shape.

The theory supports that the supercontinent eventually separated due to continental drift. Regigigas, who is capable of moving entire continents, according to Sinnoh's lore, could also be the culprit. The Ransei supercontinent theory has some value, and it's another intriguing concept that the franchise could and should revisit in a possible Conquest sequel.

It Has Unique Ties To Arceus

Pokémon Legends How To Pronounce Arceus Correctly

As previously mentioned, Arceus created Ransei and gave the land its shape. The region thus has a unique bond to the Mythical Pokémon that makes it unique in the Pokémon world.

For years, Arceus remained shrouded in mystery. The upcoming release of Pokémon Legends: Arceus will finally shed some light on the cryptic Mythical. The franchise seems to be experiencing a newfound frenzy for Arceus, so perhaps fans will finally get a sequel to Conquest. If so, then the Ransei region could find itself back in the spotlight.

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